2019 Acura MDX vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

Acura had a commendable run with the 2019 MDX, ensuring it was a dominant player in the midsize, 3-row crossover segment. Over the years, alternatives like the Audi Q7, Infiniti QX60, and Volvo XC90 either remained more expensive or had their drawbacks. Even the well-regarded Lexus RX only introduced its cramped third-row option recently. In response to emerging competition, Acura consistently improved the MDX, introducing the Sport Hybrid in 2017 and refreshing the front-end look to remove the polarizing "beak" grille. The 2019 facelift brought a new A-Spec Package, better interior materials, an adaptive damping suspension with the Advance Package, and a more sensible transmission.

The A-Spec trim of the MDX that arrived for testing was visually striking. Priced at $55,795, it boasted features like Shark Gray 20-inch wheels, unique dark chrome and gloss black trims, and redesigned bumpers with an aggressive look. Inside, it exuded luxury with heated and ventilated front seats upholstered in red leather and black Alcantara suede, an A-Spec steering wheel, and refined metal accents.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner, in contrast, maintained its practical and timeless design. Tall slab sides, a high beltline, and short overhangs underscored its utilitarian attitude. Flared wheel wells were made for bulky off-road tires, ensuring the 4Runner’s short overhangs allowed it to tackle rugged terrains. The hood scoop, although non-functional, was a standout feature of the TRD trim. The headlights were angular, and various trims offered distinct grille designs—black accents for the TRD Pro and chrome for the Limited.

The Limited trim of the 4Runner aimed at comfort with leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite these upgrades, the 4Runner’s interior still felt quite utilitarian, laden with plastic. It retained a design philosophy heavily influenced by its off-road capabilities rather than sheer luxury.

The 2019 Acura MDX was equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, managed by a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Technology Package added 20-inch aluminum wheels with 245/50 tires, while A-Spec and Advance Packages came with slightly wider 265/45 tires.

For driving enthusiasts, the SH-AWD system was a must-have, enhancing the MDX’s handling with torque-vectoring abilities and improved front-to-rear weight distribution. Even more compelling was the MDX Sport Hybrid, delivering a combined output of 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors. This hybrid model promised not only increased power but better fuel efficiency, making it a highly enjoyable drive. The A-Spec trim, despite its spirited performance, fell slightly short of its EPA rating, returning 19.7 mpg in testing.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner adhered to a simpler approach with its sole engine option—a 4.0-liter V6 delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque through a 5-speed automatic transmission. This engine was not about smoothness or fuel efficiency but sheer reliability and off-road capability. Towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds, and fuel economy figures were poor, with an EPA estimate of 17 mpg combined, which matched our testing results.

Where the 4Runner shined was off-road performance. Its body-on-frame construction, significant ground clearance, and advanced traction systems like Toyota’s CRAWL control made it a formidable off-roader. The TRD models, in particular, featured part-time 4WD systems adept at tackling tough terrains.

The 2019 Acura MDX impressed with its well-thought-out and comfortable interior. The front seats were supportive, the triple-zone climate control was effective, and storage spaces were plentiful, especially with the second-row captain’s chairs in the Advance Package. However, the third-row seats were best reserved for occasional use due to limited comfort and legroom. Cargo space was competitive, offering 38.4 cubic feet behind the second row, which expanded to 68.4 cubic feet with both second and third rows folded down. With all seats up, you'd have 15 cubic feet of storage.

Meanwhile, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner emphasized practicality, starting with excellent outward visibility crucial for off-roading. The dashboard was equipped with large, chunky knobs for easy control of HVAC and stereo functions, while the steering wheel had comprehensive controls, albeit not illuminated. The seating position was notably high, giving drivers a commanding view of the road. Accessing the cabin could be a challenge without the Limited trim's power-retractable running boards.

The 4Runner also offered an optional third row, though it was only suitable for short and occasional use. These jump seats were narrow and thin, designed more for temporary needs rather than everyday comfort. Storage-wise, the 4Runner lagged behind the MDX in convenience and practicality.

The 2019 Acura MDX upgraded its infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with improved responsiveness for the dual-screen setup. However, the layout remained less than ideal, with one screen dedicated to navigation and smartphone projection, controlled by buttons and a knob, and the other handling radio and climate functions via touchscreen. The system suffered from a lack of intuitiveness, subpar voice recognition, and dated screen resolutions. Long-term owners often found themselves defaulting to steering wheel controls for ease of use.

For the 2020 Toyota 4Runner, technological upgrades included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system was reasonably user-friendly, though we found the onboard navigation clunky compared to smartphone apps. The 4Runner also featured Bluetooth connectivity, various subscription services, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa. Yet, it still lagged behind its competitors in terms of advanced technology and overall infotainment usability.

The real technological prowess of the 4Runner emerged during off-road ventures, where features like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select made it a resilient and capable SUV in challenging terrains.

Safety was a pivotal factor for many MDX buyers in 2019. AcuraWatch suite, standard across all trims, included features like collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control. Upgrading to the Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Despite changes in IIHS ratings criteria, the MDX maintained a Top Safety Pick rating, although it fell short in headlight performance and child safety anchor accessibility. AcuraLink Connect services provided additional safety features like automatic collision notification and emergency calling.

For the 2020 Toyota 4Runner, the introduction of Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) was a significant step forward. This suite included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. The model also came with eight standard airbags. NHTSA rated the 4Runner with four out of five stars overall, but only three stars in the rollover test. IIHS awarded it high marks in most crash tests except for the small overlap front: driver-side test, where it scored marginally.